Bettye Lynn Mann Hornsby, 97, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Westminster Towers.
Lynn was born in 1929 in Warren, Arkansas, the oldest child of Sidney David Mann and Eolian Buckley Mann. She spent her early childhood in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The family later moved to Little Rock, where she attended Pulaski Heights Junior High, before eventually returning to Pine Bluff, where she graduated from Pine Bluff High School.
She attended Henderson State Teachers’ College (now Henderson University). Although Lynn did not graduate from Henderson, she attained an Emergency Teaching Certificate and taught at an elementary school in the small town of Altheimer, Arkansas.
Lynn was working at an insurance agency in Camden, Arkansas, when she met Clarence Hornsby, an engineer with International Paper Company. They were married in 1956 and made their home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where both of their children were born. During the Little Rock School boycott, Lynn—a supporter of civil rights, women’s rights, public education, and a lifelong defender of equality and fairness—joined the Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools.
In 1961, Clarence accepted a position with Bowater, and they moved to Rock Hill, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. They joined Saint John’s Methodist Church, and Lynn quickly became involved in the community. She joined the Newcomers Club and, over the years, became a member of the Floribunda Garden Club, the Pierian Book Club, the Allegro Music Club (later merged with the Rock Hill Music Club), and the American Association of University Women. She was also active in United Methodist Women and the League of Women Voters.
At the age of 40, Lynn achieved her long-cherished goal of graduating from Winthrop College. She then worked for a time with the York County Library System but had to stop when failing eyesight prevented her from driving. Even so, she continued serving her community by volunteering with the American Red Cross and through her involvement with the National Federation of the Blind. She was appointed to and served on the Winthrop University Board of Visitors and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Lynn and Clarence both loved to travel, visiting much of Europe and North America. Lynn also enjoyed Broadway musicals, classical music, and the ballet. In her later years, attending Rock Hill’s own symphony was a particular pleasure.
Lynn belonged to a bridge club for many decades, but she especially loved Scrabble. She was a fierce competitor and kept a running score with her late friend and great Scrabble rival, Charlotte Laughlin, with their points eventually totaling in the millions. However, what brought her the greatest joy was her granddaughter, Sarah, affectionately known as “Sarah Belle.” Later in life, she was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to John and Sadie.
At the time of her passing at the age of 97, Lynn was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Hornsby; her son, John Hornsby; her daughter-in-law, Melanie Hornsby; her granddaughter, Sarah Lynn Hornsby Coombs; her grandson-in-law, Spencer Coombs; and her great-grandchildren, John Spencer Coombs and Sadie Catherine Coombs.
A service to celebrate Mrs. Lynn’s life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Johns United Methodist Church, 321 S. Oakland Avenue Rock Hill, SC 29730, Family will recieve friends after the service.
Those wishing to honor Lynn’s memory are encouraged to make memorial contributions to Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 321 S. Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730; the National Federation of the Blind, South Carolina Chapter, 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205; or Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.
Condolences may be made to www.greenefuneralhome.net